Oregon Dems block effort to alert ICE before illegal immigrant murderers are released

In Oregon's legislature, the minority caucus is permitted to file an alternative "minority report" to a majority party-led bill, which would then replace the majority's legislation before it heads to the governor as a "last-ditch" effort to amend or stop a proposal, according to a source familiar with Salem's processes.

The original and active SB 1594 would require Oregon's Justice Department to consult with the state Office of Immigration and Refugee Advancement on updated "model policies" at immigration facilities.

"If the federal government wants to be serious about taking care of that business, then that's the place you should be," Meek said. 

Critics of that view said it would run counter to the left's tendency to protest broad ICE operations in certain localities.

Oregon's corrections department previously tracked the immigration status of those convicted of felonies but has not run a check since 2022, after a 2021 bill restricted the tracking of whether an inmate has an ICE detainer, according to a source familiar with the matter.

"The vote runs contrary to the clear will of Oregonians and Americans across party lines, who overwhelmingly support the removal of illegal immigrants convicted of violent or serious crimes across multiple reputable polls," the minority caucus said in a statement on the minority report's failure.

"The effect of voting 'no' today is to affirm that a person who is here illegally and commits a felony in Oregon should remain here as the felon is released from prison," added state Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte.

Fox News Digital reached out to Oregon Senate President Robert Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, and Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-East Portland, for comment.